Environmental Studies

Major

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The environmental studies major will provide students with an educational specialty grounded in the subjects and issues related to the natural environment and the relationship of the human being to the natural environment. The major offers the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary inquiry, integrating knowledge across the natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and humanities. The major develops analytical tools and skills for understanding the environment, while emphasizing the role of beliefs, values, ethics and aesthetics in shaping human behavior.

Students will be exposed to coursework which develops skills in the following areas: laboratory research and environmental science; policy analysis, social, historical and global awareness; philosophical and ethical inquiry; writing and composition; oral presentation; educational techniques and strategies; legal research; and group enterprise. This will prepare students for careers in such diverse fields as environmental and urban planning, natural resource management, scientific journalism, environmental law and policy making, parks and recreation, landscape and architecture, public health, education, the arts, and many more. The Environmental Studies major or minor satisfies the Environmental perspective requirement.

The major includes five foundational courses, four environmental field courses, one upper-level elective, one upper-level synthesis course, ES 498 Environmental Comprehensive Exam/Internship, and the completion of a minor related to environmental studies chosen from a pre-approved list. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Anthropology
Biology
Chemistry
Coastal Management (Up to two courses can be counted both for this minor and the major)
Computer Science
Economics
Geosciences
History
Human Development
Journalism
Literature
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology

The minor in Environmental Studies requires six courses, three required courses and three environmental field courses as follows: